Top marks at Essex University

Stewart Milne Timber Systems has started work on a new £65 million student accommodation complex in Colchester for the University of Essex.

The scheme was designed by Lewis Hickey Architects and will comprise 228 bedrooms across 19 four-storey townhouses. Part of a wider project, known as ‘The Meadows’, it will be complemented by a development of en-suite cluster flats for a further 420 students. It is the first development on the University’s Knowledge Gateway site.

Over its 11 week on-site programme, Stewart Milne Timber Systems will supply and erect pre-insulated external walls, and load bathroom pods into place using a mobile crane. As part of the £500,000 contract, the company will also supply and fit fire retardant, class O treated stair flights.

The project is the latest in a series of successes in the sector for Stewart Milne Timber Systems, including BREEAM Excellent student accommodation for Plymouth University’s medical school.

Alex Goodfellow, group managing director, Stewart Milne Timber Systems, said: “Demand for good quality student accommodation is high and a fast turnaround time is crucial. This is one of the many benefits of using a timber build system which can deliver significant savings in time and cost thanks to the amount of offsite fabrication possible.”

With record numbers of students gaining places at Essex, the University has committed to providing high quality on-campus accommodation for first year and overseas students as part of its aim of ensuring a positive student experience.